Saint Xavier University Hosts Annual March for Babies 5K Walk

2015 March for Babies 5K Walk at Saint Xavier University (SXU). (Posted by Saint Xavier University , Community Contributor)

Community Contributor Saint Xavier University

This spring millions of people will gather around the United States and join together in the fight to end premature birth. On Sunday, May 1 join members of Saint Xavier University (SXU) and local community supporters for the Annual March for Babies Walk starting at 8 a.m. on SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 West 103rd Street. This family oriented walk is the nation's first fundraising walk and the second year it will be held at SXU.

"The March for Babies event held at Saint Xavier is a wonderful opportunity for our students and employees to become more familiar with the critical work of the March of Dimes," said John Pelrine, vice president for Student Affairs. "Furthering the well-being of children and their families is very compatible with our mission of educating students who will contribute to the common good of society after they graduate."

With over 1,000 walkers expected and an anticipated fundraising goal of $300,000, this year's efforts are sure to be a success. Last year's event brought out over 900 walkers and raised more than $271,000. Mike Johnstone, CEO of Beverly Bank & Trust is at the helm for organizing SXU's March for Babies Walk and has been working with the south suburban walk for three years. Advocate Children's Hospital, Beverly Bank & Trust, Napleton Automotive Group and Ingalls Health System have all signed on as local sponsors for this year's walk on SXU's campus.

Nationally, more than 3 million people in over 500 communities participate in the March for Babies. Across Illinois, there are nearly 20 walks with approximately 20,000 people who participate each year. Proceeds from the walk fund community programs, advocacy efforts and research to help prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Parents and children have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs since 1938.

March for Babies brings hundreds of businesses, families and individuals together to help improve the health of babies. The March for Babies is the signature fundraiser for the March of Dimes and through the event, participants help communities bring awareness to the tremendous health challenges that babies and their families face daily.

About March of DimesMarch of Dimes works to improve the health of babies through lifesaving research, community-based programs and advocacy. For more than 75 years, moms and their babies have benefited from the March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. To find out more about the March of Dimes and how to raise funds and awareness to prevent premature birth and birth defects visit www.marchfordimes.org.

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